Live Update: Mahama presents State of the Nation address

1015 The president mounts the podium and begins the presentation. He says Ghana will  celebrate its 58th Independence Anniversary next week and gives a brief background about how Nkrumah's feat of attaining independence brought hope to Ghanaians. 58  years on, the reality of life is one of challenges. But as long as we believe we will create a country of prosperity we all deserve. We climb the greatest hill only to find that there are many more hills. We have climbed many hills together and we shall climb many more. One of such hills is to provide power to Ghanaians. The effect of this power crisis has affected all Ghanaians. We have been here before in 1998 2007 and  i do not intend to manage it. I intend to fix it . I John Mahama will fix this challenge. One of the reasons why we are where we are is access to electricity in Ghana is part of the problem. Ghana runs second only to South Africa in terms of access to electricity.to the power grid.By 2016 there will be the addition of 3,665 megawatts  to the power grid. He names the units including Asogli. We are now shifting from Hydro to thermal power.

1014 The Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho welcomes the president. He says in accordance with article 67 of the constitution of Ghana the president shall give his address to the House.

1000 President John Mahama arrives at precincts of Parliament and inspects the guard of honour. He is wearing a blue-black-red striped batakari.  He then walks into the floor of the Parliament.

Good morning!!! President John Mahama will shortly present to Parliament the State of the Nation in crisis. It will be his penultimate address to the House at a time the country is reeling in darkness from a prolonged power crisis and an economy hit with fiscal challenges. He is likely to proffer solutions to solve the teething challenges facing the country. Already, Members of Parliament have taken their seats and in the most dramatic fashion. The opposition MPs are in all black and red attire, a statement of protest it seems but are still ready to listen to the presidential address. The majority MPs look radiant in colourful attires. In the gallery are key political leaders including flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party Nana Akufo-Addo and his  vice presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Myjoyonline.com will bring you live update of the address.